In this episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor Matfield break down why the real issues facing the Wallabies run deeper than refereeing decisions, and what needs to change ahead of the final Lions test.

We also unpack the Springboks’ latest squad omissions, key selections, and what they signal for the Rugby Championship. Plus, concern is growing for the All Blacks, with a mounting injury list threatening their momentum.

👇 Got thoughts? Let us know in the comments!

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

Facebook: Rugby Rivals 

In this episode of&nbsp;Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor Matfield break down why the real issues facing the Wallabies run deeper than refereeing decisions, and what needs to change ahead of the final Lions test.
We also unpack the Springboks&rsquo; latest squad omissions, key selections, and what they signal for the Rugby Championship. Plus, concern is growing for the All Blacks, with a mounting injury list threatening their momentum.
👇 Got thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577114374277">Rugby Rivals&nbsp;</a>

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle.
Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby world for a truly Global perspective.
Refereeing in the middle is NZ media legend Ric Salizzo .
And as all of them are well in the second half of their lives,  Sir JK has some well meaning wellness advice to help them extend their lives and therefore the life of this podcast

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle. Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby world for a truly Global perspective. Refereeing in the middle is NZ media legend Ric Salizzo . And as all of them are well in the second half of their lives,  Sir JK has some well meaning wellness advice to help them extend their lives and therefore the life of this podcast

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle.Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby...

Rivals

Wallabies’ Problem Isn’t the Ref… JK & Victor on Boks Squad, All Blacks Injury Woes

In this special episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor break down the shock decision to move on from Scott “Razor” Robertson as All Blacks coach - what went wrong, whether it was inevitable, and what it says about the pressure of leading New Zealand rugby.

They discuss who’s next in line for the All Blacks job, whether Tony Brown could be tempted away from the Springboks setup, and the other international coaches who could be in line for a call up.

We cast an eye ahead to the Six Nations and preview the All Blacks vs Springboks tour at the end of the year, and Victor's got a bold take... 

Get closer to the show and have your voice heard in our private community, The Rivals Rugby Club - join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nhQTangN/ 

In this special episode of&nbsp;Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor break down the shock decision to move on from Scott &ldquo;Razor&rdquo; Robertson as All Blacks coach - what went wrong, whether it was inevitable, and what it says about the pressure of leading New Zealand rugby.
They discuss who&rsquo;s next in line for the All Blacks job, whether Tony Brown could be tempted away from the Springboks setup, and the other international coaches who could be in line for a call up.
We cast an eye ahead to the Six Nations and preview the All Blacks vs Springboks tour at the end of the year, and Victor's got a bold take...&nbsp;
Get closer to the show and have your voice heard in our private community, The Rivals Rugby Club - join here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nhQTangN/">https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nhQTangN/</a>&nbsp;

Who’s the Next All Blacks Coach? JK & Victor Debate! (Special Episode)

It’s our final episode of the year, and we’re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby.
We’re handing out our end-of-year awards, including:

🏆 Player of the Year
🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year
🌍 Team of the Year
🚀 Future Superstar Award
⏪ Team in Reverse Award
🤯 Moment of the Year
🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year
🧠 Coach of the Year

Plus a full recap of the weekend’s international action and all the chaos, controversy and brilliance that defined rugby in 2025.

Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/

It&rsquo;s our final episode of the year, and we&rsquo;re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby. We&rsquo;re handing out our end-of-year awards, including: 🏆 Player of the Year 🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year 🌍 Team of the Year 🚀 Future Superstar Award ⏪ Team in Reverse Award 🤯 Moment of the Year 🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year 🧠 Coach of the Year Plus a full recap of the weekend&rsquo;s international action and all the chaos, controversy and brilliance that defined rugby in 2025. Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/">https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/</a>

The Rivals Awards Show: Best, Worst & Most WTF Moments of 2025

We're back for another big episode of Rugby Rivals.
John Kirwan tries to make sense of the All Blacks’ latest stumble… Victor can’t get through 80 minutes without seeing red, and Trimby relishes in Ireland's whalloping of Australia.

In this episode we cover:
– What’s REALLY going on with the All Blacks right now
– The Springboks’ red-card problem and how it’s costing them
– Why Australia can’t catch a break
– The biggest performances, turning points and tactical shifts from the weekend

Watch, comment, and tell us your take below.

Join our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005

We're back for another big episode of Rugby Rivals. John Kirwan tries to make sense of the All Blacks&rsquo; latest stumble&hellip; Victor can&rsquo;t get through 80 minutes without seeing red, and Trimby relishes in Ireland's whalloping of Australia.
In this episode we cover: &ndash; What&rsquo;s REALLY going on with the All Blacks right now &ndash; The Springboks&rsquo; red-card problem and how it&rsquo;s costing them &ndash; Why Australia can&rsquo;t catch a break &ndash; The biggest performances, turning points and tactical shifts from the weekend
Watch, comment, and tell us your take below.
Join our Facebook Group here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005">https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005</a>

Wallabies’ Problem Isn’t the Ref… JK & Victor on Boks Squad, All Blacks Injury Woes

In 1 playlist(s)

Rivals

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips